I think we all have inner demons to fight on our own, and sometimes with help. I think it is similar to the saying that we all come from dysfunctional families, in that my demons are different from your demons. Some things we think about and have to fight everyday, while others just pop up every now and again.

The sad thing is how one goes about handling one's inner demons. Sometimes the choice one makes in how to handle them just causes one to have even more demons. I guess that saying, "The Devil made me do it." can apply to those who handle it in a way that causes more demons, which one would think that the devil wants one to handle things this way.

I think acceptance that each of us is not perfect and never will be, can help one to handle our inner problems. Somehow it is hard for us to realize that we are not perfect, especially in today's world where there are so many famous people who are seemingly perfect. But as we all know they are far from perfect, it is just very sad that young people idiolize these types of people instead of their hard working, normal, loving family members, and friends.

Brian, thank God I am not at that road any more, wondering "Where did they all go? Those days, months, years?

Ans to Q: We had coffee and apple rolls, sitting on concrete bench in beautiful river setting. We both spoke, no BS. He even smiled a couple times. He was pretty far gone mentally, but who knows, maybe a little hope filtered its way into his psyche.....

20 years ago, I was driving in grid lock traffic with my best friend and my daughter (one at the time) was in her car seat. Our car at the time was a beater with no air conditioning. It was 90 out and probably 90% humidity.

Daughter was screaming and thrashing. As I tried to quiet her, my BFF said, "leave her alone, she is only doing what every other person wants to do. I'd scream and thrash right now if I thought I could get away with it."

We have a man like this in our neighborhood. He rides his bike from dawn til dusk, having conversations with himself and at times kicking his bike. I've heard he suffers from Tourette's Syndrom. Everyone knows who he is in town and we all quietly look out for him. You captured is so well with "angels and demons" because we will never know...well done!

However he got to that place he is staying in shape. I don't blame some people for not wanting to live in reality. I have been in that place a few times myself. But my inner strength won and showed me I could do it.

good job mrsu...lol. a quick thought on this guy. i see him all the time when i am heading through town though i think he is quite gone...i tried talking with him but got little...he is still a person though so i try to look out for him...

We have a guy who is very similiar to this one in our little town sometimes I wonder is he possessed or am I the one who is really crazy because he seems at least free in some strange way..wonderful read and a very vivid description that provoked a great deal of thought for me.

reminds me of what my brother and husband call "wetbrain" - when alcoholics get to the point of no return....(blessing they are both recovered and do recovery work now)...reality does have its bites...great job...bkm

i know someone just like this, and it is getting harder and harder to be around. i find myself on the defense during much of our interactions, and it is exhausting. always a fight, always a struggle, always drama!i love her though,always will.

A striking image followed by a damn good (rhetorical) question. Your 'chronic' empathy for the outcast amongst us is on good display here, Brian. Makes me wonder if I am any less strange than this street corner shadow boxer when I go out on my jogs and bike rides...

This poem really moves me with its portrait of a homeless man, sandwiched as it is between questions about what he sees/ is fighting, and whether he's really all that different from the rest of us, except in degree.